Download: Big Business “Gold And Final”

(from Mind The Drift out now on Hydra Head)

Big Business is back with a vengeance—as usual, drum-magician Coady Willis powers their heavy sound and Jared Warren’s bass keeps the beat, though he’s also belting out better vocals than before. Has Mr. Warren been taking singing lessons? The most important addition to BB is (former) producer Toshi Kasai, now playing guitar. Kasai jokingly “learned” how to play guitar just for the band! He’s also brought some of them keyboards along to add more depth. This latest hits the ground running with what can be described as three very Dungeons-and-Dragons-y tracks that hint (musically) at battles and castles. The drums of war turned against all the boring stoner-rock that has been churned out lately! The first track “Found Art” as well as “Theme from Big Business II” have so many changes and breakdowns, they’re worthy of psychiatric evaluation. Kasai’s synth is subdued throughout, and translates beautifully with Phil Ek’s production. Ek is the guy who produced the Shins and Fleet Foxes, and presents the rumble of Big Business in the most lush and layered ways. Mind the Drift is bound to serve long-time fans in an epic way, while roping in a new few with a fondness for mathematical rock. If you’re lucky, you may still even get one of the limited edition “collectors plates” and a nice Shocking Blue cover with your copy!

—Rita Kassak